Q. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?
a) Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here.
b) Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of Andhra region from here.
c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.
d) Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up headquarters of Theosophical Society first here.
Correct Answer: c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Mughal Empire’s Administrative Hierarchy
In medieval India, particularly during the Mughal Empire, administrative divisions were organized in a hierarchical structure. The correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size is:
1. Paragana
2. Sarkar
3. Suba
Paragana
This was one of the smaller administrative units, typically consisting of a cluster of villages. It was overseen by an official known as an ‘Amil’ or ‘Shiqdar’. Revenue collection and local law and order were managed at this level.
Sarkar
A Sarkar was a larger unit that comprised several Paraganas. It was a sort of district within the Mughal administration, and it was managed by officials appointed by the central government. The Sarkar was responsible for revenue collection, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the implementation of imperial policies within its boundaries.
Suba
This was one of the largest administrative divisions, equivalent to a province. A Suba was governed by a Subedar or a governor who was directly appointed by the emperor. The Subedar had considerable autonomy and was responsible for the administration, finance, and military control of the province. The Suba was further divided into several Sarkars, which were then divided into Paraganas.
So, the correct sequence from smallest to largest is Paragana – Sarkar – Suba, as you have indicated.
